Soil-transmitted Helminth Reinfection Rates After Single and Repeated School Hygiene Education

Re-infection Rates of Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections Among School-aged Children Following a Single or a 4-monthly Health Hygiene Education: an Open Label Clinical Trial

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, or hookworm, affect approximately 1.5 millions individuals primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. STHs infections have been associated with delay in growth and development in children. The prevalence in Indonesia varied from 45% to 65%, but in poor sanitation areas the prevalence can increased to 80%. World Health Organization currently recommends mass treatment with benzimidazoles and health hygiene education to control the disease. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of single and four-monthly health hygiene education to STH reinfection rates among school-aged children in Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatera province, Indonesia.

In this study we evaluate the prevalence of STH among school-aged children using Kato Katz examination prior to enrolment to the study. Two elementary schools in Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatera province, Indonesia have been selected and received either a single or repeated health hygiene education. Preliminary knowledge was also assessed using a questionnaire. Infected children received treatment of albendazole 400 mg for 3 days. Evaluation on reinfection status and STH knowledge is done at 4 month, 8 month and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children who are negative for STHs infection on Kato Katz examination following 3 days treatment of albendazole

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parents who refused to participate in the study
• Severe malnutrition
• Co-infected with other helminth infections